Monday night clash brings big storylines

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RYAN WOLSTAT, QMI Agency

Sep 25, 2011

, Last Updated: 10:35 PM ET

Tony Romo and Rex Grossman have been at the forefront of two of the most intriguing storylines in this young NFL season.

Romo rallied the Cowboys to an overtime victory in San Francisco despite a punctured lung and fractured rib, while Grossman has led Washington to an unexpected 2-0 start, after winning a starting job few thought he'd be able to.

Grossman has been surprisingly effective since beating out John Beck and will try to continue his run against arch-rival Dallas on Monday night.

Grossman's biggest challenge could be avoiding getting terrorized by Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware. Ware was dominant against San Francisco last week and led the NFL with four sacks heading into Week 3.

The Redskins are trying to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2005, while Dallas is looking to avoid dropping consecutive Monday night games for the first time since 1999.

If Romo is able to fight through pain again and suit up, he should be able to put on a show against a Washington defence that ranks just 17th against the pass through two weeks. Dallas' offence is fourth-best overall, and third-best in the air so far.

Dez Bryant should play and will have to perform well since star Cowboys receiver Miles Austin is out.